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Clark County Wetlands Park
preserves and enhances natural and cultural resources and provides educational, recreational, and research opportunities for the public.
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Thank you for subscribing to Wetlands Park Footprints newsletter. Share with your friends and let us know what you think at wetlands@clarkcountynv.gov.
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Wetlands Art Day is a free, family event for all artists, no matter your age or skill level, to create and connect to nature through art! The event is sponsored in partnership with Commissioner Jim Gibson.
Connect with your inner artist and join us at Wetlands Park on Saturday, March 22 from 10 am to 2 pm for art and poetry workshops by guest artists Bethsabee Nieves-Barboza, Racheal Braley, Heather Lang-Cassera, and Nevada Humanities, live music with Ocotillo Wind Quintet and "Ukulele Hero" Timothy Connolly, a dance demonstration by Winchester Star Catchers hip hop students, and arts & crafts for all ages brought to you by guest agencies including Winchester Dondero Cultural Center, Wetlands Park Friends, Red Rock Audubon Society, and RTC of Southern Nevada.
Buddies Golden Munchies will be serving free savory street corn, while supplies last. For additional information, visit events.ccwetlandspark.com.
Calling all artists! Wetlands Park invites you to spend a day painting a wetlands inspired art piece en plein air during Wetlands Art Day. Bring your own supplies and check in as early as 9 am to find a scenic spot in the Nature Preserve. Participating artists will be invited to submit their artwork for the 3rd Annual Plein Air Invitational on exhibit at the Spotlight on Nature Gallery May - July 2025. Best in Show and Honorable Mentions will be awarded.
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 Wetlands: Hands On! team leads and staff at Wells Trailhead. Photo ©Wetlands.
Looking to get involved? Join us for our last Wetlands: Hands On! (W.H.O.) public stewardship event for the season on Saturday, April 12 from 9 am to 11 am. Partnering with Clark County Commissioners, Jim Gibson and Tick Segerblom, 200 volunteers will pick up trash at Sunrise Trailhead and Hollywood Boulevard. Our goal is to blitz Hollywood Boulevard and address some of the large-scale desert dumping that frequently takes place out there. If you have never joined a WHO event, this will be a great opportunity to see what it is all about! Advance registration required. Visit our website for more information.
 Join us for BioBlast on Saturday, April 26 from 9 am to 1 pm! With the help of guest scientists and naturalists, attendees will learn about the plants and animals of Wetlands Park through science stations and interactive games and activities. All activities are free, no advance registration required.
 Looking to escape the summer heat? Join us for Discovery Day on Saturday, June 28 from 10 am to 1 pm for a fun, indoor event. Agencies and organizations from around the valley will join us and share all there is to do in the region during the hot season. We're bringing the outdoors in! Attendees will enjoy crafts, games, and other activities including live animal encounters. All activities are free, no advance registration required.
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 Weir Maintenance downstream of Pabco Trailhead at Upper Narrows Weir. Photo ©Wetlands.
You may have noticed heavy equipment operating all around the Park. There are several active and upcoming projects that directly impact the Park, so here is a quick rundown:
Weir Maintenance
On behalf of the Las Vegas Wash Coordination Committee, Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) conducts bank stabilization and weir maintenance in the Las Vegas Wash within the Park each year to ensure weirs are functioning properly and channel banks are protected. In February they completed work at Monson and Visitor Center Weirs, the two weirs downstream of Big Weir Bridge near the Nature Preserve. This involved rebuilding a temporary water crossing for heavy equipment and diverting water into the north stem channel of the Wash, providing construction access into the south stem. While they were improving the weir structure and embankments, they were able to remove much of the large, heavy, and unsightly trash that accumulated opposite the Willow Overlook. Unfortunately, this area traps trash during rain events and is difficult to access making cleanup challenging and expensive. Additional trash removal was also conducted around Big Weir Bridge and the island between the Wash channels after our rains on Feb 13. Weir maintenance was also conducted downstream of Pabco Trailhead at Historic Lateral, Upper Narrows, and DU Wetlands No 1 weirs. SNWA's work is important to maintain the integrity of the structures and Park features along the Las Vegas Wash.
New Sewer Infrastructure
The Clark County Water Reclamation District is working on adding a sewer force main pipeline that will connect the Treatment Plant with the lift station just north of Sam Boyd Stadium to the Clark County Water Reclamation District. This will be an ongoing project for many months and will involve temporarily closing access to the Duck Creek Trailhead at some point in the near future. Later this year, we expect that Wetlands Park Lane will be restricted to one-lane for a period of time while they cross the roadway. There will be flaggers stationed here to maintain traffic to the Nature Preserve and Nature Center during this time. The pipeline will follow under portions of Nature Preserve Way, including the unpaved section that leads from the Nature Play Corner to the Wetlands Loop Trail. This unpaved segment will be paved upon project completion.
Hollywood Extension Phase 1
Work has been ongoing on the Hollywood Extension project that is slated to connect Hollywood Boulevard at Sunrise Trailhead to Galleria Drive in Henderson, with two bridge spans crossing the Las Vegas Wash and Duck Creek, respectively. Phase 1 involved building everything from Galleria to the Wetlands Park boundary. A new roundabout has been built that ties into Old Silver Bowl Park and will eventually provide access to the southeastern area of Wetlands Park. New barriers like post and cable fencing, guardrails, and gates are being added that will help to restrict unauthorized vehicle access into the Park.
Hollywood Extension Phase 2
Phase 2 directly involves the Park proper and is in the late design phases. Park staff have been directly involved in the planning process and have been advising on the placement of new trails, connections to existing trails, vehicle access restrictions (gates, bollards, and fencing), signage, and safety concerns for wildlife and visitors. Construction on this phase has not yet been scheduled, as it is still in the review process. Look for more updates soon.
Barriers Plan Implementation
Thanks to a generous grant from Conserve Nevada, implementation of the Park's Barriers Plan has begun. As stipulated in the Wetlands Park Master Plan, these barriers are intended to restrict unauthorized vehicle access to the Park and trails. In addition to the new gates and fencing near Powerline Crossing that were completed as part of the Loop Trail Phase 1 project, Wells and Pabco Trailheads are being protected with new boulder barriers and new split rail fencing is being installed to clearly mark the boundaries of the Nature Preserve. Additional fencing will be implemented as funding and authorization is received.
Loop Trail Repairs
The large cracks on the Loop Trail, mostly between mile markers 3 and 6 will be repaired in March.
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 Connecting with Nature art reception in the SONGallery. Photo ©Wetlands.
Art and nature are intrinsically connected. Nature offers a constant source of inspiration and through their artwork, artists may share stories of life cycles, environmental reflection, and the passage of time.
Wetlands Park is pleased to host Nevada Watercolor Society's 2025 Signature Show, Connecting with Nature, now on display in the Spotlight on Nature Gallery (SONGallery) located in the Exhibit Gallery of the Nature Center until April 24. Select art pieces are for sale. To learn more about the Nevada Watercolor Society, please visit their website. Visit the SONGallery to see local artists' work on display during our hours of operation, Tuesday-Sunday, 9 am to 3 pm.
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 "May 11, 2024" natural journal entry by Morrigan DeVito.
The next time you're exploring the outdoors, take a journal and a writing tool. Record your experience with nature through sketching, writing, or other creative expressions. The beauty of nature journaling is that it is entirely your own- make it personal to you!
Interested in starting a nature journal and need inspiration? Visit The Nest gallery located in the Information Kiosk of the Nature Center to see Nature Journals, an art exhibit by 2024 Artist in Residence Morrigan DeVito, now showing through April 30. During her residency, DeVito documented migratory birds, plant blooms, and insects through a series of sketches and field notes.
Also featured is Beaver Walk by 2022 Artist in Residence Myranda Bair and Snowy Egret by 2023 Artist in Residence Fawn Douglas. Visit the The Nest gallery to learn more about the artists' work during our hours of operation, Tuesday-Sunday, 9 am to 3 pm.
Wetlands Park is delighted to announce Megan Heeres as its 2025 Artist in Residence (AiR). The AiR program enables a local artist each spring to explore and interpret the natural and cultural resources at Wetlands Park. Artists lead workshops, interact with visitors during open studio hours, and create artwork based on their research in the Park.
Join Megan for an "Invasive Basket" basketmaking workshop (ages 10+) on Saturday, April 5 at 10 am. Workshops are free but space is limited. Advanced registration required. Sign up here. Visit our website for more information about the Artist in Residence program, Megan's biography, and upcoming artist workshops. Megan will also host an activity at Wetlands Art Day on Saturday, March 22.
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Wetlands Park is excited to announce that ten local artists have been selected to participate in its fourth annual temporary sculptural installation titled HAVEN, which will be on display in the Nature Preserve from March 15 - May 15. This year's theme explores the interconnectedness of life within wetlands, where every creature plays a role in maintaining balance. Sculptures inspired by this theme celebrate the beauty, fragility, and necessity of wetlands while inspiring reflection on our responsibility to protect them.
The public is invited to join us for an Artist Social on Saturday, March 15 from 10 am to 12 pm for a chance to meet the artists and hear the story behind their artwork.
Participating artists: Dan Brady, Haide Calle, Juan Cuevas, Meghan Dragon, Heather Lang-Cassera, Scott Marquart, Mila May, Vanessa Maciel Napoles, Chelsea Rust, Xochil Xitlalli.
Stay Up to Date with Art News at Wetlands Park
Click here to subscribe to our art email list to receive notices of calls for art, scheduled exhibitions, and other art news at Clark County Wetlands Park.
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 Wetlands Park volunteer, Andrea Wirth, looking for birds from the Nature Center observation deck at Wetlands Park. Photo ©Wetlands.
We are grateful to our volunteers and their dedication to making a positive impact. They are the heart and voice of Wetlands Park. Andrea Wirth is one such volunteer. We were able to catch up with Andrea and ask her about her experience as a volunteer at Wetlands Park.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background. I’ve worked in libraries nearly all my professional life and I am currently a librarian at UNLV’s Lied Library. I spend my time at the library helping researchers in various stages of their careers. However, I’ve always enjoyed nature and like volunteering in the communities I’ve lived in. Supporting wildlife and helping others enjoy and support wildlife is a recurring theme for my volunteer interests. In the past, I have volunteered for a wildlife rehabilitation center in Oregon or more recently with local birding groups, before I became a volunteer at Wetlands Park.
How long have you been volunteering at Wetlands Park? Since December 2022.
How did you come to volunteer at the Wetlands? I was looking for a volunteer role that involved nature and meeting others with similar interests. I also wanted a volunteer role that fit my schedule since I work full time and typically can only volunteer on weekends.
What kinds of things do you do during a typical volunteer shift at Wetlands Park? One thing about volunteering at Wetlands Park is that there is no shortage of programs for all types of skills and interests. I’ve participated in projects and programs that are done independently or in small groups such as a participatory science project on the health of Screwbean Mesquite trees. I’ve also helped with tabling for the Park at events around the Valley, and these are typically very busy with a lot of opportunities to talk to members of the public about the Park. One of my favorite volunteer activities is Project FeederWatch, which runs from November through April in the Exhibit Gallery of the Nature Center. During FeederWatch, volunteers talk to visitors about the birds seen at the Park and also document the birds we see during our shift. This data contributes to studies of birds in their winter habitats.
Why do you like volunteering at Wetlands Park? I enjoy volunteering at the Park for several reasons, it allows me to help others learn about the Park and also provides learning opportunities for me. During Feederwatch, it is fun to talk to visitors about the birds we’re seeing and invite them to try out the binoculars or viewing scope we keep on hand. As for ongoing learning, there are workshops for volunteers on the plants and animals of the Park. The staff and other volunteers are great to work with, too. There are annual volunteer appreciation events which are both fun and inspiring for me as a newer volunteer.
What advice would you give someone interested in volunteering at Wetlands Park? There is likely a program or several that would suit your interests and schedule. Also, as a volunteer you are very well supported and have a great network of people to meet and work with who are passionate about the Park. I recommend attending one of the “Get Involved at Wetlands Park” classes offered periodically to learn firsthand about volunteering.
What is your favorite thing about Wetlands Park? This is a tough question! There are several spots I like to go to regularly, making it hard to pick a favorite. The Nature Preserve is truly unique with its large trees and welcome shade in the warmer months. However, I enjoy the areas of the Park where there are overlooks above the Wash. Wells Trailhead offers a nice vantage point where you can enjoy a lovely view of the Wash, the mountains in the background, water, and birds below.
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Volunteers Needed! Wetlands Park is seeking volunteers in all areas including environmental education, visitor services, and outdoor stewardship.
Is volunteering at Wetlands Park right for you? The first step to becoming a volunteer is to attend a Get Involved at Wetlands Park class. You'll learn about Wetlands Park, volunteer opportunities, and the process to become a Clark County Wetlands Park volunteer. Youth age 12 and up may volunteer with a guardian.
Get Involved at Wetlands Park
Sign up at volunteer.ccwetlandspark.com
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 Mojave Desert Sidewinder Rattlesnake. Photo © 2002-2025 Jim Boone. birdandhike.com
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 Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake. Photo © 2002-2025 Jim Boone. birdandhike.com
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Nature Close-up: Rattlesnakes in Nevada
Wetlands Park is home to over 70 species of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, including rattlesnakes. Two species of rattlesnakes, the Southwestern Speckled and the Mojave Desert Sidewinder, have been observed in the Park. Altogether, Nevada is home to six species of rattlesnakes.
The Western Diamondback is not only Nevada’s largest rattlesnake, measuring up to 72 inches long, but also has the largest venom capacity. The Great Basin is second in length to the Diamondback, measuring up to 60 inches long. Although the Great Basin rattlesnake is widely distributed throughout the western U.S., it has only been observed in the northern two-thirds of the state. The Northern Mojave is the third largest snake at 51 inches long and has the highest venom toxicity than any other North American rattlesnake species. The Southwestern Speckled and Panamint are similar in appearance but occur in different ranges and are seemingly separated by the Las Vegas Valley- the Panamint occurs northwest of the Valley while the Speckled occurs southeast of the Valley.
Finally, the Mojave Desert Sidewinder is the smallest of Nevada’s rattlesnakes measuring approximately 26 inches long. This snake earns its name for its fascinating style of angled movement that allows for it to successfully move over different types of substrates.
It's important to remember that all wildlife should be respected and observed at a distance. Rattlesnakes can attack if they feel threatened and more often bites are a direct result of intentional provocation. Be prepared before exploring new places and use caution when hiking to avoid a dangerous interaction with a venomous reptile.
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 Nature Tales participants crafting a stained-glass paper butterfly. Photo ©Wetlands.
Embrace your inner artist in a Studio WP Art Program and a series of Ekphrastic Poetry Workshops led by Clark County Poet Laureate, Ms. AyeVee. Accompany a park naturalist and adventure into nature together on a Discovery Walk. Join a Red Rock Audubon Society birding expert and park naturalist on a Bird Walk. Bring the family to kids' programs like Nature Tales, Wetlands Explorers, and Tabletops. Get involved with our monthly Wetlands: Hands On! outdoor stewardship events.
Attend the first Summer Lecture Series of the season presented by Wetlands Park Friends. Mark your calendars and join us for upcoming events like Wetlands Art Day, BioBlast, and Discovery Day. View our March and April Program Guide or our calendar. To learn more about our programs and to register, visit programs.ccwetlandspark.com.
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 Katydid (long-horned grasshopper) balanced on a bare twig. Photo submission by Robert Edward Photography.
Have you taken a photo in Wetlands Park that you would like to share? Want to see your Wetlands Park photo featured in an upcoming newsletter?
Submit your high-resolution photo(s) to: wetlands@clarkcountynv.gov. Include your name, date, and location of the photo.
Post about it on Social media!
#CCWetlandsPark
#CallforWPphotos
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 Wetlands Walkers on the move for the Kick-off Hike at Wetlands Park in January 2025. Photo ©Wetlands.
Wetlands Walkers is a self-guided program for individuals looking to reach personal fitness goals while walking in the beauty and serenity of nature. Participants walk the trails in the Park, track mileage, and earn rewards at milestones. Walk with friends, family, or on your own. Reward notifications are issued once a month via email. Anyone can join!
As a group, walked mileage is tallied to reach a yearly goal matching the migration distance of one of the Park's visiting species. In 2025 the Walkers are recognizing the Green Darner Dragonfly, which annually migrates approximately 5,700 miles over multiple generations. As of March, the Walkers' mileage is 1,345! To learn more about the Wetlands Walkers program, the annual species, to sign up, or to log your miles, please visit our website, walkers.ccwetlandspark.com.
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Wetlands Park offers monthly guided walks which make it easy and fun to earn miles. Visit programs.ccwetlandspark.com to sign up for an upcoming guided walk.
Upcoming Guided Walks (Walker membership not required but pre-registration is)
Discovery Walk: Signs of Spring Sunday, March 23, 9 am to 11 am
Discovery Walk: Women's Walk in the Wetlands - Ethnobotany Saturday, March 29,
1 pm to 2:30 pm
Discovery Walk: Women's Walk in the Wetlands -Birding Friday, April 11,
8:30 am to 10 am
Discovery Walk: Creatures of the Moon Saturday, April 12, 7 pm to 9 pm
Java Jaunt Birding Saturday, April 19 7 am to 9 pm
Discovery Walk: Mother's Day Sunday, May 11, 9 am to 10:30 am
Discovery Walk: Bat Walk Wednesday, June 11, 7 pm to 9 pm
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Educator, Translator, & Navigator
The Wetlands Park Navigator mobile app is brought to you with support of Wetlands Park Friends. Download the mobile app through Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The Navigator provides content including tours, maps, directions, and other Park information in English, Spanish, and Tagalog.
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